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MPs insist that they are not on holiday, because sitting in the Commons is only part of the job.

Many MPs go home to their constituencies to meet voters in breaks and attend events there, and this year, many will probably attend Diamond Jubilee celebrations in their areas.

Denials: MPs insist that they are not on holiday, because sitting in the Commons is only part of the job

But last night, the TaxPayers’ Alliance said it was wrong that MPs spent so much time away from their chief place of work.

The break means MPs will not get the chance to debate key issues, such as the fall-out from Wednesday night’s European summit.

Jonathan Isaby, political director of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said:

‘Parliament seems to have spent more time in recess than it has sitting over the last couple of months.

‘Of course, being in Westminster is only part of the role and any MP worth their salt will be hard at work in their constituency over the recess.

‘But with all these breaks – especially at a time of economic hardship and crisis in the eurozone – it means that ministers are getting away without being scrutinised in the Commons by our elected representatives.

‘And it’s not as if MPs are properly scrutinising legislation when they are in Westminster, since most bills get passed with timetable motions limiting scope for proper debate in the Commons.

‘MPs would do well to cut the length of their recesses in order to allow for more time to be spent on effective scrutiny of the Government and its programme.’

The Lords did not break up last night – they will work until next Wednesday 30 May, before returning on 11 June